All The Things That Make Atlanta So Peachy: Tips For The Newcomer
Photo by Joey Kyber
Atlanta is a hot place to live right now, in part because of the variety of events, food, and festivals it offers to visitors and natives alike. It’s one of the most diverse cities, and has a wonderful mixture of cityscape and greenery, so no matter what your preference for the day is, you can find it here.
Whether you’re just visiting or are making a move, there are a few things you should know. Here are the best tips for making a trip to Atlanta, presented by The Luxe List Atlanta.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FOOD
Whether you’re pulled in by the lure of late-night dining at food trucks or want to check out a restaurant owned by a celebrity chef, you can find it here. The sheer volume of food options can be overwhelming, but what’s great about it is that you can always find something different. Try Buford Highway for several authentic ethnic eateries. Want to bring your pooch? Go right ahead. Atlanta has many dog-friendly restaurants where you can dine with your four-legged friends. There’s also a food truck park and market where you can eat, drink, and shop to your heart’s content.
PLAN ACCORDINGLY FOR TRAFFIC
Atlanta is a big city, so traffic can’t be avoided. As long as you stay away from The Connector, The Perimeter, The Top End, and Spaghetti Junction during rush hour, you’ll be fine. These are I-75, I-85, and I-285 and their intersections, which see backups pretty much every day.
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself a bit with the city before trying to drive it on your own. Take a cab and ride around the areas you’ll be spending time in; this will be helpful when learning all the different streets named Peachtree (there are several variations).
THERE ARE FESTIVALS GALORE
You’ll never be bored in Atlanta. Music festivals, farmers markets, film festivals, and parks that host a variety of shows are just a few of the best ways to be entertained here. Atlanta is also a big city for filming Hollywood movies (and shows like The Walking Dead) because Georgia gives big tax breaks to production crews, so you’ll likely spot a celeb or two if you stay long enough.
THE NEIGHBORHOODS ARE FULL OF RICH HISTROY
No matter where you go in Atlanta, you’ll find fascinating historic sites, and many of the oldest neighborhoods in the city are experiencing a rejuvenation that bodes well for newcomers. The Old Fourth Ward, the hip and artsy Westside, and entertainment hub Midtown are all great places to look for digs.
HOMES AND RENTALS GALORE
Finding a home in Atlanta is no problem, as there is a plethora of different houses, apartments, and condos to choose from. Although buying is always an option, you may want to consider renting a place until you find your footing in the city this fall. Sites like Rent.com can help you find a rental that suits your budget; filters allow you to choose your price point so you know you’re not looking at apartments that you simply cannot afford.
JOBS ARE PLENTIFUL
Atlanta is getting a lot of attention lately because it’s a great place for young people to get a good start. Not only is housing affordable, there are plenty of jobs available that pay well. In fact, the median salary for a recent college graduate is $50,000.
THE WEATHER
If you like warm cities, Atlanta’s got you covered. While the summers tend to get humid and sticky, it stays warm for many months out of the year, and the average number of sunny days is 217 per year. Not bad for a city in the Deep South!
There are so many reasons to come to Atlanta, it’s hard to imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to include it in their lives in some way. If you are considering relocating, think about coming to “the Gate City of the South.” If you just want to check out the city before moving or just want to visit for the sake of visiting, you might want to explore vacation rental options near the attractions and neighborhoods you want to get to know. There are lodgings for every style and every budget--just another way that Atlanta is one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the United States.
Written By Megan Cooper
